health-fitness
Beyond breathing: How COVID-19 affects your heart, brain and other organs
It's easy to be complacent about COVID-19. Most people experience only mild issues – fever and coughing, maybe congestion and shortness of breath.
But the coronavirus is capable of causing much more than a simple respiratory illness, affecting organs throughout the body, experts say.
"We see people have symptoms from almost head to toe in terms of how they feel, how they function and what they can do," said Dr. Adrian Hernandez, a cardiologist who is director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina.
The new year started with an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., prompting Hernandez and other experts to advise caution, especially for those at high risk.
While the short-term effects of COVID-19 can be flu-like, even mild cases can lead to long COVID – a constellation of problems that can persist for weeks or months. More than 200 symptoms have been linked to long COVID, said Hernandez, who has overseen many COVID-19 studies.
Because COVID-19 typically affects breathing and can lead to problems such as pneumonia, many people may think it's primarily a lung disease. It's not that simple, said Dr. Nisha Viswanathan, director of the long COVID program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Read: Monitoring lesser-known numbers in a blood screening can help heart health
"I would argue that COVID-19 is not a disease of the lungs at all," she said. "It seems most likely that it is what we call a vascular and neurologic infection, affecting both nerve endings and our cardiovascular system."
It's no surprise that experts say SARS-CoV-2 – the name of the virus that causes COVID-19 – is complex, with many of its pathways just beginning to be understood. But some things are becoming clear. One of the best reviews of long COVID symptoms, Viswanathan said, appeared last January in Nature Reviews Microbiology. It detailed the disease's effects throughout the body, including the pancreas, blood vessels and reproductive system.
"SARS-CoV-2 is excellent at triggering your immune system to go from zero to 100," said Dr. Lindsay McAlpine, a neurologist who is director of the Yale NeuroCovid Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut. That revving of the immune response leads to both a "wide swath of inflammation" and excessive blood clotting, she said.
"Perhaps the viral replication is going on in the lungs and nasopharynx (the area at the top of the throat that connects the nose to the respiratory system). But the inflammation that the virus triggers is systemic," McAlpine said.
Here are some parts of the body significantly affected by COVID-19.
The brain and nervous system
"The virus and the immune response can have several different effects on the brain," said McAlpine, lead author of a 2021 study looking at strokes in people with COVID-19, published in the journal Stroke. She is researching issues related to COVID-19 and brain fog, which she called "a very common symptom."
The exact causes of brain-related issues are not clear, but she said it does not appear that the virus is directly attacking brain tissue. Rather, it seems that the ramped-up immune response leads to clots that could cause brain problems.
"A lot of patients have described it as feeling like they have a concussion," McAlpine said. "And it can persist for several months after COVID," even if the initial case was mild.
"In addition to the cognitive impairment, we see worsening or new-onset migraines," she said. "We see new neuropathy in the legs and the arms – numbness, tingling, difficulty walking because of the neuropathy."
COVID-19 might also be unmasking other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, she said. McAlpine has diagnosed new cases of Alzheimer's disease in people who, before COVID-19, were functioning fine, then developed symptoms. "We don't know why," she said.
The heart and blood vessels
Research shows COVID-19 infection can increase the risk for heart-related problems such as myocarditis, a rare inflammation of the heart, and an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
Read: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
The risk of dangerous clotting – including deep vein thrombosis (clots in large veins) and pulmonary embolisms (clots in the lungs) – is small but stays elevated for up to a year after the infection, according to research done before vaccines were available.
Many factors might be playing into COVID-related heart problems, Viswanathan said, including microclots – tiny blood clots – or an autoimmune response targeting heart muscle cells. A recent study in Nature Cardiovascular Research shows the virus may infect coronary arteries, causing plaque buildup to become inflamed and break off, which can lead to a heart attack. Gastrointestinal system
"Interestingly, the GI system's mechanism may be a little different than what impacts the heart," Viswanathan said. One theory suggests that the virus finds a hiding place while the rest of the body fights it off. "And we have found now in multiple studies that COVID can remain in our GI tract for weeks and months after it has resolved in the rest of the body."
The exact place where the virus might hide is up for debate, Viswanathan said. But Hernandez said gastrointestinal symptoms are clear: "People can have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea."
A large study of veterans published last year in Nature Communications found people with COVID-19 had a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems more than 30 days after infection compared to people without COVID-19. The risk was elevated even among people who had mild cases of the disease.
Kidneys
Kidney problems were common in a 2023 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine that looked at organ damage after COVID-19 infection.
Researchers don't necessarily know whether kidney problems stem from people getting sick with high fevers and taking in less fluid or because "with a virus that can go anywhere and cause inflammation anywhere, you can have all sorts of problems," Hernandez said.
What to do
Not everyone who gets COVID-19 will have these problems, Viswanathan said. But people experiencing symptoms can reach out to their primary care physician or a long COVID clinic.
What everyone can do, she said, is take steps to protect themselves and those around them.
The first step is to be cautious if COVID-19 is surging in your area. Consider wearing a mask in crowded public places. "A lot of people have COVID now, and it may take a while for them to test positive," Viswanathan said.
"The second thing is get vaccinated," she said. "It really does seem to be highly protective." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 5 and older get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to avoid getting seriously ill from the virus.
"The third thing is controlling your cardiovascular risk factors," she said. That means getting high blood pressure, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions under control. "It will all decrease your risk."
McAlpine added that if you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay away from other people to avoid putting them at risk.
Hernandez emphasized the importance of vaccinations in general for people with heart or lung disease, cancer or suppressed immune systems. "For people who have other health conditions, you don't need another one," he said. "And if you could avoid an illness like COVID or the flu – why wouldn't you?"
Winter Care Essentials for Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Warm and Healthy
Winter can be a challenging time for pets, requiring extra care and attention from their owners. This extensive guide offers in-depth advice on how to protect your pets from winter sickness, choose appropriate gear, maintain balanced nutrition, and more. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your furry friends are comfortable, healthy, and happy during the colder months.
How to Protect Your Adorable Pets from Winter Sickness
Understanding Winter Sickness in Pets
The cold season can exacerbate existing health conditions in pets and introduce new risks. For example, older pets may suffer more from arthritis due to the cold, while younger pets might be more susceptible to respiratory infections. Awareness of these issues is crucial for early detection and effective management. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify and mitigate these risks early on.
Understanding and Managing Winter Allergies
Pets can suffer from allergies in winter too, often due to drier air and indoor allergens. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and discomfort. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of your home can reduce allergens, and humidifiers can add moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin. If you suspect your pet has allergies, consult your vet for appropriate treatments.
Read more: 100 years after his birth, world’s most loyal dog Hachiko still winning hearts
Preparing for Emergencies
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for emergencies. Have a pet emergency kit ready, including food, water, medications, and any other essentials your pet might need if you're unable to leave the house. Also, have a plan in place in case of power outages or if you need to evacuate your home.
Signs Your Pet is Uncomfortable in the Cold
Your pet may not be able to tell you when they're cold, but they can show it. Look for signs such as reluctance to go outside, shivering, or seeking shelter in warmer areas. These behaviors indicate that your pet is feeling the cold and needs additional warmth and care. Ensuring your pet has a warm place to retreat to inside, away from drafts, can greatly enhance their comfort.
Choosing the Right Winter Gear for Your Pet
Proper winter gear is essential for pets, especially those that spend time outdoors. When choosing gear, consider your pet's size, breed, and the specific weather conditions of your area. A well-fitted coat or sweater can provide much-needed warmth, while booties can protect their paws from cold surfaces. Remember, not all pets will be comfortable wearing clothes, so it’s important to introduce any new gear gradually and monitor their response.
Read more: 10 houseplants that are bad for your pets
How to Improve Focus by Training the ‘Attention Muscle’
Did it ever happen to you that after listening to any hour-long lecture in a workshop or classroom you can’t remember anything? Though you were physically present at that place, your mind was not there. What’s missing here was focus.
Focus – a little word with a huge impact! It's like the superhero of thinking, connecting to decisions, problem-solving, learning, memory, and how we see the world. If the focus game isn't strong, it can put a damper on thinking skills. Mastering the art of focusing is a game-changer. Focus can be used like a spotlight to direct the flow of energy. Harnessing the power of focus is key to success in life.
What is Focus?
Focus is like a superpower that helps you to fully concentrate into one specific task and ignore the noise and happenings around.
Some folks call it "flow," a term made cool by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in his book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.” It's that feeling of being in the zone, where your mind is so absorbed that you forget about everything else – time, space, and anything other than the task at hand. For instance, with focus, you can enjoy a novel amid the huge chaos of a railway station.
Read more: How to Utilise the Power of Visualisation to Achieve Goals
Focus lets someone immerse themselves completely in one thing, without allowing mental distractions. It's like a mental power boost, concentrating all brain energy on one awesome task. Focus is the secret sauce to becoming the superhero of concentration!
You can think of focus as a muscle for your mind. Like any other muscle, you can train it. So, if you want to boost your focus game, treat it like a workout – flex that mental muscle regularly.
What is Attention Muscle?
The attention muscle is like the brain's personal trainer for focus. It's all about the ability to direct and keep your awareness on a task, even when distractions come knocking. If you don't intentionally work it out, this attention muscle doesn't get stronger – and that's when the mind becomes a bit of a scatterbrain.
An under-exercised attention muscle leads to a twitchy, agitated mind that can't catch a break, constantly hopping from one distraction to another. It's like trying to herd cats.
Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators
Most people don't realize how feeble their attention muscle is until they actually need to buckle down and focus. Without proper training and development, sustained focus becomes a bit like trying to juggle too many balls at once – nearly impossible! So, if you want to avoid mental acrobatics, it's time to hit the mental gym and give that attention muscle a good workout.
Monitoring lesser-known numbers in a blood screening can help heart health
When you get the results from a routine blood screening, some familiar terms and numbers may jump out: cholesterol levels that point to a risk for heart disease, for example, and A1C, a blood sugar measurement used to diagnose diabetes.
But are there other numbers that merit a closer look?
"There are lesser-known numbers to look at regarding heart-related risk," said Dr. Elliot Davidson, medical director of the Center for Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Ohio. "They can be helpful for anybody on the fence about taking medication."
Standard bloodwork typically includes tests for liver and kidney function "that are important considerations for the heart," said Dr. Parag Joshi, a preventive cardiologist and an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "That kind of stuff is important to know."
First, the basics: Health care professionals encourage people to monitor five numbers to track their heart health. They are blood pressure; blood sugar, or glucose; cholesterol; body mass index or waist measurement; and sleep duration.
Read: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
Davidson and Joshi said there are more results on your blood test to consider as well.
Non-HDL cholesterol
The total cholesterol number is calculated by adding HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and 20% of the triglyceride number. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet. High LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with low HDL, contribute to fatty buildup in arteries.
If you take the total cholesterol number and subtract the HDL, you get the non-HDL cholesterol. "Sometimes that picks up some risk that the LDL or the triglycerides and the total (numbers) don't totally capture, and that we might be missing if we just focus on the usual results," Joshi said.
Non-HDL cholesterol is measured in deciliters of blood. An optimal range for non-HDL in adults would be less than 130 mg/dL, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Davidson said doctors can use cholesterol and blood pressure results, as well as other health factors, to calculate the risk for having a heart attack, stroke or other disease caused by the buildup of plaque in arteries.
People can work with health care professionals to calculate their risk. Tools are available from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, which recently released a new risk calculator that incorporates kidney function and other newly added factors. The AHA tool can predict risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure over the next 10 years and 30 years in people ages 30 to 79.
"Even if you have a low 10-year risk, you might have a pretty significant lifetime risk," Davidson said.
Lipoprotein(a)
Another measurement to know is lipoprotein(a), a larger type of "bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It's mostly genetic, Joshi said, rather than caused by lifestyle factors, and no treatments have yet been proven to lower lipoprotein(a) levels.
Read: Winter Hair Fall Issues: Causes, and Solutions
About 1 in 5 people worldwide has high lipoprotein(a) levels, according to the American Heart Association.
"For people with a strong family history of heart disease or early strokes or early blockages, it sometimes shows up as the only risk factor we can identify," Joshi said. "It is something I often check in preventive cardiology, and people are becoming more aware of it."
There is no consensus on risk thresholds for lipoprotein(a) levels, but AHA and ACC guidelines consider a high measurement to be 50 mg/dL or higher.
Hemoglobin
When patients report they are fatigued, that's a reason to focus on their hemoglobin, or red blood cell count, Davidson said.
"If it's lower than it should be, you have to look for a reason," he said. "A common cause would be gastrointestinal blood loss. You've got to make sure you're not losing blood somewhere."
A low count, a condition called anemia, also may be caused by iron and vitamin deficiencies.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin can vary slightly, but in general they are 13.5 g/dL to 18 g/dL for men, 12 g/dL to 15 g/dL for women, and 11 g/dL to 16 g/dL for children.
Creatinine
Blood tests for kidney and liver function also can indicate cardiovascular risk, Joshi said.
The level of creatinine, a waste product formed by digestion of protein, is a marker of kidney function. "It's supposed to be cleared out in the blood by the kidneys," Joshi said. "If the creatinine in the blood goes up, the kidneys aren't doing a good job."
Protein in urine is another risk indicator, he said, "because the kidneys are supposed to retain all your proteins. So, if you're losing protein through your urine, there's something wrong with the kidney. We're learning a lot about how kidney problems increase the risk of heart problems, and vice versa."
Davidson noted that high creatinine levels are "not only an independent marker for heart disease, but you have to be very careful about certain medications like ibuprofen and other things that would aggravate your kidney function."
Creatinine levels above 1.2 for women and 1.4 for men may be cause for concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
Liver enzymes
Tests for liver enzymes known as ALT and AST can indicate impaired liver function or unhealthy fat deposits in the liver, Joshi said. There are several reasons for elevated ALT or AST, he said. "But one of those reasons is this deposition of fat in the liver, and that is a marker of increased risk of heart disease in the future."
The enzymes are measured in units per liter. For ALT, a standard range is 29-33 for men and 19-25 for women. AST levels should be less than 35.
The bottom line, according to Davidson: "Have a primary care doctor that you trust, keep in close contact, and discuss your bloodwork."
Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain or neural plasticity, is the remarkable ability of the brain to reconfigure its neural connections throughout life. This phenomenon underlines the brain's capacity to adapt, learn, and reshape itself in response to experiences and stimuli. It plays a critical role in learning new concepts, honing skills, and recovering from brain injuries, significantly boosting productivity. Let's explore some effective methods for enhancing your brain's neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity Techniques for Everyday Life to Enhance Brain Productivity
Juggling as a Brain Exercise
Ever tried juggling with balls? It's not just entertaining; it's a brain booster! Juggling engages multiple brain areas, improving multitasking abilities and spatial perception. Regularly practicing juggling, even for just 10 minutes a day, can develop new neural pathways. It's a delightful approach to enhance hand-eye coordination and your brain's flexibility.
The Power of Reading Aloud
Reading aloud isn't just for kids; it's beneficial for adults too! This activity stimulates the brain's language centers, involving both auditory and speech processing. Regularly reading aloud can strengthen language comprehension and communication abilities. It's an easy yet powerful way to activate and improve your brain's language functions.
Read more: 10 Ways to Boost Team Productivity in Workplace
Musical Instrument Mastery
Ever considered learning an instrument like the guitar? It's a fantastic way to foster creativity and fine motor skills. Research indicates that musicians often have more neuroplastic brains. Playing an instrument enhances memory, coordination, and overall brain adaptability. As you progress, you'll notice improvements in focus, memory, and creative thinking. It's enjoyable and beneficial for your brain.
Embracing Mindful Moments
Consider incorporating mindful walks in nature or familiar environments into your routine. Mindfulness promotes concentration and mental clarity. Regular mindful breaks, and focusing on breathing with closed eyes, can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall brain function.
Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is characterised by an unsettling sensation in the stomach and can be quite distressing. It often accompanies bloating, creating a feeling of discomfort and unease. These sensations can result from various factors, such as digestive issues, illness, or motion sickness. However, certain foods and drinks have been known to offer relief from these symptoms and aid in calming the stomach and reducing the urge to vomit.
10 Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger
Ginger is renowned for its potent anti-nausea properties. It actively alleviates stomach discomfort. Its bioactive compounds possess anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in easing gastrointestinal distress. By soothing inflammation and calming the digestive system, ginger can provide relief to nauseated people.
Whether ingested as ginger tea, raw ginger, or in supplemental form, this root emerges as a preferred choice for individuals encountering nausea. It mitigates these symptoms and fosters digestive tranquility.
Read more: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
Peppermint
Peppermint is famed for its cooling sensation. It mainly functions as a natural remedy to soothe the digestive system. Its menthol element actively relaxes stomach and intestinal muscles. Frequently used as peppermint tea or oil, it alleviates digestive unease and significantly reduces the incidence of nausea.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is mainly celebrated for its calming attributes. It diligently contributes to diminishing nausea. Its anti-inflammatory traits and muscle-relaxing properties serve as a gentle remedy for soothing an upset stomach. Imbibing chamomile tea actively eases the sensation of vomiting and offers a comforting solution for individuals experiencing stomach discomfort.
Bananas
Bananas are abundant in nutrients and easily assimilated. So, it can help provide relief for an unsettled stomach. The potassium content of bananas helps in rebalancing electrolytes and facilitating stomach settling. For nauseated people, bananas serve as a gentle companion for the digestive system. Besides, bananas are widely popular as a nourishing and stomach-settling natural remedy for individuals experiencing stomach discomfort.
Read more: 10 Teas for Upset Stomach and Improved Digestive Health
Electrolyte Drinks
Electrolyte drinks are laden with essential minerals like potassium and sodium. They work diligently to restore depleted electrolytes in the body. Their balanced composition actively stabilises the body's electrolyte levels and thereby reduces nausea symptoms. These beverages offer quick rehydration and vital nutrient restoration, and these drinks serve as a valuable remedy.
Crackers
Plain crackers actively serve as a remedy for settling the stomach. Their easily digestible nature and ability to absorb surplus stomach acid actively alleviate discomfort. When consumed gradually, these crackers effectively ease feelings of nausea and the likelihood of vomiting.
Apple
Apple actively aids in regulating stomach acidity. Its rich content of natural compounds contributes to maintaining a healthy pH level in the stomach, effectively curbing queasiness. The acetic acid present in apples plays a pivotal role in mitigating feelings of nausea.
Its consumption, either raw or in the form of apple cider vinegar, contributes to alleviating symptoms of nausea and offers a natural remedy for digestive distress.
Read more: Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning while Travelling
Rice
Rice is known for its stomach-friendly attributes. This food can help improve the nauseant feeling and curb vomiting tendencies. Its easy digestibility plays a crucial role in soothing the stomach, absorbing surplus stomach acid, and promptly alleviating discomfort.
Whether in the form of plain rice or rice water, its gentle nature effectively comforts the stomach. Consuming plain rice or its derivative, rice water, contributes to easing nausea.
Nuts
Nuts are packed with nutrients and beneficial properties. The high protein and healthy fat content make nuts a valuable snack for stabilising blood sugar levels. Additionally, the presence of magnesium in nuts aids in calming the digestive system and reduces the likelihood of vomiting. Incorporating nuts into the diet acts as a stabilising force, providing sustained energy and promoting digestive ease.
Water
By actively hydrating the body and soothing the digestive system, water can effectively alleviate nausea symptoms. Water curbs the urge to vomit and fosters a hydrated, settled stomach environment conducive to reduced feelings of discomfort.
Summing Up
Dealing with nausea and vomiting is uncomfortable. Natural remedies like ginger, peppermint, bananas, and others mentioned can effectively soothe the stomach and alleviate these distressing symptoms. Incorporating these foods and drinks into your diet can offer relief and improve your overall digestive health.
Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach
Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
Vitamins are integral for women's health. They actively maintain overall well-being, regulate vital bodily functions, and avert diverse health complications.
These nutrients play pivotal roles, supporting immunity, nurturing organs, and ensuring optimal functionality. Together they promote women's health and vitality.
6 Essential Vitamins for Women
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a critical role in women’s health. It actively supports vision, fortifies the immune system, and nurtures reproductive health. It is also essential for maintaining healthy skin. This vitamin is abundantly found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Actively incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into the diet ensures an adequate supply of Vitamin A. It actively fosters robust immunity, aids in cell regeneration for healthy skin, and contributes significantly to preserving optimal vision. Thus it helps ensure women’s overall well-being.
Read more: 10 Teas for Upset Stomach and Improved Digestive Health
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 stands as an indispensable element for women. It contributes to energy production, neurological functions, and red blood cell formation. Meats, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals serve as rich sources and ensure a substantial intake of Vitamin B12.
This vitamin is vital for sustaining nerve health, supporting cognitive functions, and aiding the production of red blood cells crucial for oxygen transport. Its active presence in the diet is pivotal for women for fostering vitality, ensuring neurological well-being, and maintaining the body's essential functions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves as a pivotal nutrient for women. It helps with collagen formation, bolsters immunity, and promotes skin health. It is abundantly found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being and enhancing immune responses.
Read more: Vitamin C: Where to Found and How Much to Consume
It also supports collagen synthesis, fortifies skin integrity, aids in wound healing, and safeguards against infections.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D stands as one of the most necessary nutrients for women. It is great for bone health, immunity function, and mood regulation. Exposure to sunlight and the consumption of fortified foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products ensure adequate Vitamin D levels.
This vital nutrient plays a pivotal role in maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system's resilience, and regulating mood patterns. It can help to prevent Vitamin D deficiency diseases like osteoporosis. Actively incorporating these sources into the diet and sunlight exposure actively facilitates optimal Vitamin D levels.
Read more: Different forms of Vitamin D: Benefits, sources of Vitamin D1 vs D2 vs D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin E serves as a potent antioxidant. It shields women's cells from damage. This vitamin is abundantly found in nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados. Vitamin E stands as an essential nutrient for women's health.
Its role as an antioxidant actively safeguards cells from harmful free radicals, supports skin vitality, and counteracts oxidative stress. Including these nutrient-rich foods into the diet ensures an ample supply of Vitamin E. It also protects women's overall health, preserving cellular integrity, and fortifying against the detrimental effects of oxidative damage.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K stands as a significant nutrient for women. It assists in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and heart health. Foods such as spinach, broccoli are rich in Vitamin K. It plays a significant role in supporting bone health and blood clotting mechanisms.
Read more: Microwave Cooking: 7 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
By actively incorporating these Vitamin K-rich foods into the diet, women can ensure their safety from different Vitamin K deficiency issues. It also participates in blood coagulation, aids in wound healing, and supports optimal bone density. Its role in regulating calcium aids in bone metabolism, while also contributing to heart health. All together it plays a vital role in women's overall health.
Closing Lines
Maintaining a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals is crucial for women's health and well-being. Actively incorporating a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods aids in sustaining optimal health across life stages. This practice actively supports bodily functions, fostering resilience and promoting wellness in women.
Read more: Zinc: Health Benefits, Food Sources and Daily Requirements
Winter Hair Fall Issues: Causes, and Solutions
As winter draws near, many individuals suffer the seasonal woe of increased hair loss. During the cold weather days, proper hair care is essential to maintain healthy and luscious hair. Let’s explore the reasons and remedies of winter hair loss.
Common Hair Fall Issues in Winter Season
Excessive Hair Shedding
During winter, many people notice an increase in hair shedding. It is normal to lose some hair daily, but excessive shedding can be a concern.
Dry and Itchy Scalp
The dry winter air can lead to scalp dryness and itching. This discomfort can also exacerbate hair fall issues.
Read more: Hair Fall after Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
Brittle Hair
The lack of moisture in the air can make hair more brittle and prone to breakage, leading to further hair fall.
The lack of moisture in the winter air can render hair more fragile and susceptible to breakage. And, it ultimately results in increased hair fall and diminished hair health.
Causes of Losing Excessive Hair during the Cold Months
Cold, and Dry Air
The cold winter air, devoid of moisture, actively parches hair, leaving it dry and highly susceptible to damage. Without adequate humidity, hair's natural moisture balance is disrupted. This makes hair prone to breakage and other winter-induced issues like hair fall.
Read more: Monsoon Hair Fall Prevention: How to Care for Hair during Rainy Season
Steamy Showers
Steamy showers, although comforting in winter, can contribute to hair fall. The excessive heat and steam strip the hair of essential oils and leave it dry and fragile. This, combined with the dry air can exacerbate the problem and make hair more prone to shedding.
Heat Styling
Heat styling is a common culprit behind winter hair fall. Excessive curling irons use, straighteners, and hair dryers rob the hair of moisture. Such practices make the hair brittle, more likely to break and leads to increased hair shedding.
Nutritional Deficiencies
During winter, nutritional deficiencies can pose a significant threat to hair health. Colder weather often leads to dietary shifts and potentially deprives your body of vital vitamins and minerals crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Such deficiencies weaken hair, making it more susceptible to falling out.
Read more: Which is the Best Country for Hair Transplant?
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress and alterations in winter routines play an active role in hair fall problems. Seasonal changes, coupled with holiday stress, disrupt the body's equilibrium and affect hair growth cycles. This is how increased stress levels can exacerbate hair loss.
Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress?
Nowadays everyone is talking about the goal to get a stress-free life. Stress is a familiar term in today's busy world. We often associate it with negative effects on our mental and physical health. But actually, not all stress is detrimental. There is a positive side to moderate stress. This is known as good stress and this can be beneficial for us.
What is Positive Stress or Eustress?
Good stress, known as eustress, is the kind of stress that makes people feel excited and motivated. It is like a little challenge that helps one do one’s best.
Eustress can encourage an individual to try a new hobby, learn a new language or skill, and even step outside one’s comfort zone.
For instance, a school student, Mina, had to participate in a spelling competition. She felt a bit nervous but also eager to do her best. The stress motivated her to study hard and concentrate. During the competition, her heart was racing, but she remembered the words and won! The good stress she felt had pushed her to succeed.
Another example, giving a speech at a seminar might make an individual nervous, but it is also exciting for him or her.
This mix of feelings is good stress or eustress. It pushes people to prepare and focus.
Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators
Difference between Good Stress and Bad Stress
Good stress, like starting a new job or preparing for a race, is like a little push that makes you excited. It helps you to focus and do your best. It is like a friend cheering you on!
Bad stress, on the other hand, is like a big heavy weight on one’s shoulders. It is when things feel tough and overwhelming, like money troubles, anxiety regarding academic performance or worrying about career issues, etc. Such stresses are also called negative stress or distress. Distress can make one feel tired and worried all the time.
Therefore, the difference between good stress and bad stress is obvious. Eustress is like a friendly nudge that helps you, while distress is like a big rock that's hard to carry. It is important to manage bad stress, maybe by talking to someone, getting counselling, finding ways to relax, doing yoga, or similar stress-relieving activities. It should be ensured that negative stress does not weigh anyone down too much.
Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
Hair Fall after Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
After the remarkable journey of pregnancy and childbirth, many new mothers encounter postpartum health issues. One common concern is hair fall, which can be distressing for these mothers. Understanding the reasons behind postpartum hair fall and discovering effective solutions is crucial to helping women regain their confidence and maintain their hair health.
Reasons behind Hair Loss after Pregnancy
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences significant hormonal changes to support the growth of the baby. After childbirth, hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, drop abruptly. This hormonal shift can trigger hair shedding, often noticed a few months after giving birth.
Stress and Fatigue
The demands of caring for a newborn often result in overwhelming fatigue and stress. It affects a mother's mental and physical health. Elevated stress levels and constant exhaustion play a role in hair fall, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle and adding to the concerns of postpartum women.
Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid issues post-pregnancy can exacerbate hair fall. Fluctuating thyroid hormones, common after childbirth, can disrupt the hair growth cycle. An underactive or overactive thyroid adversely affects hair quality and contributes to increased hair shedding. It compounds the challenges of postpartum hair loss for new mothers.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency, prevalent after pregnancy, can be a significant factor in postpartum hair fall. Inadequate iron levels impede the transportation of oxygen to hair follicles. This affects hair health and leads to increased hair loss. It is a concern frequently experienced by new mothers.
Medications
Certain postpartum medications may trigger an unintended hair fall. Some medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect. New mothers need to consult healthcare professionals about potential side effects on hair and explore alternative treatments if needed.
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